E-Passports Now Required for Travelers Entering From Visa Waiver Countries

April 28, 2016

As of April 1, 2016, all persons entering the United States from visa waiver countries must have a passport containing an electronic chip known as an e-Passport. The electronic chip contains the same biographic information listed on the traveler’s physical passport. The e-Passport is expected to reduce the likelihood of visa fraud and identity theft while strengthening public security and privacy rights. The new requirement is also expected to make the travel process faster. These changes were mandated by the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act. Persons who do not have an e-Passport must obtain a tourist or other visa to enter the United States.